I recently completed a large commission of work in Purpleheart and Queensland Silver Ash for a client. The project consisted of two very large serving platters complemented by 12 smaller individual placement side dishes.

The two large platters were both made from Purpleheart while the side dishes numbered six of the Purpleheart and six of Silver Ash ... a wonderful contrasting combination. The setting was envisaged to go on the client's custom-built 12 seat dining table, itself crafted from Tasmanian Black Sassafras.

The two central platters are of epic proportion, measuring 1.15 meters in length ... that's around 4 feet. The side dishes average around 30cm (12 inches) in length.

During the lead-up discussions to the commission, I couldn't really think of any local woods which would either complement or contrast the Sassafras ... and which the client liked. Additionally, the room that the table resides in has numerous other wood types featured. So, we decided to go for something radically different ... and Purpleheart it is.